The rule that has made a University of Minnesota wrestler ineligible is under review by the NCAA and could be changed, according to the head of the Gophers' compliance office.

"But as of right now, it hasn't changed," J.T. Bruett, Minnesota's director of compliance, said Thursday, Feb. 21.

Joel Bauman, a sophomore from Kerkhoven, Minn., with a budding career as a rapper, was stripped of his wrestling eligibility this week because he refused to remove his name and likeness from songs and music videos on iTunes and YouTube. Bauman also identified himself as a Gophers wrestler, which Bruett said is an NCAA violation.

"The institution is sympathetic, absolutely sympathetic, to what he's going through. We understand where he's coming from," Bruett said. "Unfortunately, the rules are not very flexible in this area."

Bauman can regain his eligibility if he uses an alias, is not shown in pictures or videos related to his music and does not refer to himself as a wrestler at Minnesota.

Bruett said the NCAA has been reviewing the rule that sidelined Bauman for about six months because of "a litany of issues that have come up."

"This one is a great example," Bruett said. "The reason the rule is in place is, you can imagine if Tim Tebow, when he was the quarterback at Florida, decided to make some gospel songs and sell them. He could probably sell quite a few of them. And the NCAA's stance on that is he's selling more than he normally would because of his status as a student-athlete.

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Just simply using his name is why that rule is in place.

"Now you can argue there should be some differentiation between Tim Tebow and Joel Bauman, but right now there's not. The rule is what it is. I spoke with the NCAA (on Thursday) morning and told them philosophically this is a rule they should look at to consider deregulating. And they're in the process of doing it right now."

Bruett said his office is working with Bauman "about other options he wishes to try with the NCAA. We're still working with him to try to rectify the situation."

Bauman did not immediately respond to an email request for an interview, but he told KMSP-TV in a report that aired Tuesday, "My message is bigger than my eligibility. The world needs some positivity, and I'm going to give it to them. I feel like I have a calling. I feel like I was put here to make the world a better place. My calling is bigger than a scholarship. My message is bigger than me."

He has not lost his scholarship -- just his eligibility.

Gophers wrestling coach J Robinson said Thursday "there's no problem with this year at all" for Bauman staying on scholarship and practicing with the team, adding, "If he's ineligible next year, then there's no reason to keep him on aid."

Bauman, a two-time state champion in high school, is 30-14 in three seasons with the Gophers, competing mostly in open tournaments.

Robinson has urged Bauman to reconsider using an alias and taking down the video in which he appears.

"I don't necessarily agree with the rule, but the rule's the rule," Robinson said. "What I've told him is, 'Look, you're not selling millions of records. The thing you have to look at is (whether) there are priorities in your life. Right now, you're going to be officially ineligible forever. For what? For your pride?

"There are certain things in your life, certain doors that only open at certain times. He's only got two years to wrestle in the national tournament. He's got the rest of his life to work on his music and inspire people."

If Bauman complies with the NCAA rule, Bruett said he could be reinstated within two to three weeks.